WAD a day!

THE people of Reading went bananas for Children in Need at the weekend.

From the penny box on the counter of a newsagent to the traditional legs waxing and fancy dress, schools, businesses, and members of the public went to great lengths to help the country's needy youngsters in the 23rd BBC appeal and helped raise £121,897.05 across Berkshire.

At The Avenue School in Basingstoke Road, special needs children had a "fantastic day" and managed to raise £307 - and they are still waiting for sponsorship money to come in.

The fun kicked off at 9am with a beat the goalie competition, and went on until the afternoon with a fancy dress party, a teacher versus pupils hockey match and a bazaar.

Headteacher Peter Sparks said: "It was a tremendous effort from the kids, and a team effort between pupils, staff and parents.

"Children here, whether or not they are in a wheelchair, help each other a lot, and we saw evidence of that on Friday. It was our

opportunity to give a little something back to the community."

Colleagues at Asda, in Honey End Lane, Tilehurst, raised more than £600 thanks to an extravaganza of events over a week, which culminated in a public leg waxing and head shaving.

Marion Dowling, the store's events co-coordinator, said: "The whole day was fantastic.

The managers and colleague who had their legs waxed and head shaved suffered a lot, but customers were impressed and it did make a

difference to the amount we raised."

Beverley Painter, who chose to have her hair dyed for the good cause, now boasts a ‘shocking' pink and ‘electric' blue hairdo - and made £309.

Ms Painter, who had the job done at the Hair Studio in Oatlands Road, Shinfield, said: "It looks very nice but it's very bright. The hairdresser said it would last six weeks, but I can see it staying longer."

Mera Sharma, at Griffin News, in Basingstoke Road, is approaching her £200 target with a penny box for customers, while members at the Thatcham Ladies Circle and Round Table collected £2,134 by standing at the village's railway crossing from 7am to 7pm.